Recommended Free Tools
Kansas has one statutory state animal: the American buffalo. The broader list often described as Kansas’s “nine state animals” combines six living-animal symbols with three official fossil symbols. Those nine designations are the western meadowlark (state bird), American buffalo (state animal), honeybee (state insect), ornate box turtle (state reptile), barred tiger salamander (state amphibian), channel catfish (state fish), Tylosaurus (state marine fossil), Pteranodon (state flying fossil), and Silvisaurus condrayi (state land fossil).
The categories were adopted at different times through Kansas’s legislative process. The Kansas Historical Society’s official list records designations from 1937 through 2023, so “nine” is a count of related state symbols—not nine separate laws that all call their subject the state animal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the nine-item Kansas list actually counts
Readers commonly encounter a nine-item answer because Kansas recognizes an animal symbol in several categories. Only one entry carries the unqualified legal title “official animal of the state”: the American buffalo. The other living species represent a bird, insect, reptile, amphibian, or fish. Kansas also designates fossils by the environments or abilities represented in their names: marine, flying, and land.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Symbol | Official Kansas designation | Designation year | Living species or fossil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western meadowlark | State bird | 1937 | Living species |
| American buffalo | State animal | 1955 | Living species |
| Honeybee | State insect | 1976 | Living species |
| Ornate box turtle | State reptile | 1986 | Living species |
| Barred tiger salamander | State amphibian | 1994 | Living species |
| Tylosaurus | State marine fossil | 2014 | Fossil |
| Pteranodon | State flying fossil | 2014 | Fossil |
| Channel catfish | State fish | 2018 | Living species |
| Silvisaurus condrayi | State land fossil | 2023 | Fossil |
The table follows the Kansas Historical Society’s official state-symbol list. Its dates indicate when each designation was adopted, not when a species first appeared in Kansas, how abundant it is, or how important it is to the state’s economy.
#1 Best Overall
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
The official state animal: American buffalo
If a form, quiz, classroom worksheet, or conversation asks for Kansas’s state animal in the singular, answer American buffalo. Kansas statute § 73-1401 states: “The American buffalo (Bos or Bison americanus) is hereby designated and declared to be the official animal of the state of Kansas.” The Kansas Historical Society records the designation in 1955.
This wording matters because it establishes a different legal status from the other eight entries. The western meadowlark is not a second state animal; it is the state bird. The honeybee is not an alternative animal designation; it is the state insect. The three fossil entries are official symbols too, but their statutes and list labels place them in fossil categories.
The five other living-animal symbols
Western meadowlark — state bird
The western meadowlark is Kansas’s state bird, with the Kansas Historical Society listing its designation in 1937. In the nine-symbol count, it is the earliest living-animal category shown. Calling it the state bird communicates the exact scope of the designation: Kansas selected a bird symbol, not a replacement for the statutory state animal.
For a child’s project or a state-symbol chart, label this entry “Western meadowlark — state bird.” That wording avoids the common mistake of collapsing every category into the single phrase “state animal.”
Honeybee — state insect
The honeybee is Kansas’s official state insect, listed by the Historical Society with a 1976 designation. Its inclusion demonstrates why broad online lists can reach nine: insects are included alongside mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish when the list is counting animal-related state symbols.
Rank #2
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
The official category is the useful fact to preserve. A honeybee entry should not be presented as evidence that Kansas has two statutory state animals; it is a separate insect designation.
Ornate box turtle — state reptile
The ornate box turtle is Kansas’s state reptile, designated in 1986 according to the Historical Society’s list. The species belongs in the living-symbol portion of the count, while its category distinguishes it from the buffalo, bird, insect, amphibian, and fish symbols.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhen comparing state symbols, use “state reptile” rather than a generalized label such as “Kansas animal.” That precision is especially helpful in materials that place all nine entries in one illustration or checklist.
Barred tiger salamander — state amphibian
The barred tiger salamander is the official state amphibian. Kansas statute § 73-2301 describes it as “a strikingly marked species, with robust body, and living in a range from the humid tallgrass prairie of eastern Kansas to the arid high plains at the western border,” and then designates it as the official amphibian of Kansas. The Historical Society records the designation in 1994.
This is the one entry for which the cited statute supplies an explicit descriptive rationale: the law points to the salamander’s marked appearance, sturdy body, and presence across the state’s contrasting eastern and western environments. Those words are legislative description, not a population estimate or a ranking against the other symbols.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
Channel catfish — state fish
The channel catfish is Kansas’s state fish, with the Historical Society listing its designation in 2018. It is the latest living-animal category in the nine-item table. The designation should be written as “channel catfish — state fish,” not simply “Kansas’s fish,” when accuracy about official titles matters.
Its later addition also shows that the symbol list was not created in a single legislative act. Kansas added categories over decades, and the fish designation can sit alongside earlier bird, animal, insect, reptile, and amphibian choices without replacing them.
Kansas’s three official fossil symbols
Fossils account for three of the nine entries. They are not living animals today, but Kansas treats them as official state symbols in distinct fossil categories. Including them explains why a list headed “state animals” can contain names that represent prehistoric life.
Tylosaurus — state marine fossil
Tylosaurus is Kansas’s official state marine fossil. The Historical Society records the designation in 2014. The category identifies the setting represented by the fossil: marine life. It does not make Tylosaurus a living state animal, and it should not be merged with the American buffalo’s statutory title.
Pteranodon — state flying fossil
Pteranodon is the official state flying fossil, also designated in 2014. Pairing it with Tylosaurus shows that Kansas’s fossil symbols cover more than one kind of prehistoric environment or movement. “Flying fossil” is the official category label to retain in a list, museum caption, or lesson plan.
Rank #4
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Silvisaurus condrayi — state land fossil
Silvisaurus condrayi is Kansas’s official state land fossil, listed with a 2023 designation. It completes the fossil trio by representing land alongside the marine and flying categories. Keep the scientific name italicized in formal writing, and include the category because “land fossil” is what distinguishes this symbol from the other two fossil designations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why people say Kansas has nine state animals
The nine-count convention is a shorthand for the complete group of animal and fossil symbols. It is useful when someone wants one list containing every designated species or fossil, but it can be misleading if the phrase is interpreted as nine equal “state animal” titles.
- One statutory state animal: American buffalo.
- Five other living categories: state bird, insect, reptile, amphibian, and fish.
- Three fossil categories: marine, flying, and land fossils.
That structure answers both common questions: “What is Kansas’s state animal?” and “Why are there nine?” The first has a singular answer. The second refers to the broader symbol grouping.
How Kansas state symbols become official
The Kansas Historical Society explains the governing principle plainly: “Symbols become official through the legislative process.” In practice, that means a list entry should be treated as official because Kansas law or the state’s authoritative historical record identifies it as such, not because a commercial list, quiz site, or social-media graphic repeats it.
The designations also have different legal labels. A statute may identify an “official animal” or “official amphibian,” while the Historical Society’s list groups the symbols for public reference. Preserving the exact category is therefore part of reporting the law accurately.
Best Value
- Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
- Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
- Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
- Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
- Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.
How to use the list accurately
For a quick answer
Say: “Kansas’s official state animal is the American buffalo. Kansas also has official symbols for a state bird, insect, reptile, amphibian, fish, and three kinds of fossils, making nine entries in the broad list.” This gives the singular answer first and explains the larger count in one sentence.
For a classroom or identification chart
Use the four-column table above. Separate living species from fossils, and print each official category beside the name. That format prevents students from assuming that Tylosaurus, Pteranodon, or Silvisaurus condrayi is a present-day state animal in the same legal sense as the buffalo.
For a history activity
Arrange the entries by designation year to show that Kansas built its symbol set over time. The Kansas Historical Society also offers state-symbol educational materials, including a coloring book and animal-symbol activities, which can support a family or classroom exercise. Those resources are activities about the symbols, not additional designations.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCommon mistakes to avoid
- Listing only the buffalo when asked for all nine: that answers the singular statutory question but omits the other official categories.
- Calling all nine “state animals” without qualification: that hides the distinctions between living categories and fossils.
- Calling the fossils living species: Tylosaurus, Pteranodon, and Silvisaurus condrayi belong in the fossil portion of the list.
- Treating designation years as ecological data: the years show adoption dates, not population size, range, or conservation status.
- Assuming the symbols were adopted together: the official record spans from 1937 to 2023, reflecting separate legislative decisions.
The complete answer in one sentence
Kansas’s statutory state animal is the American buffalo; the full nine-symbol grouping adds the western meadowlark, honeybee, ornate box turtle, barred tiger salamander, channel catfish, Tylosaurus, Pteranodon, and Silvisaurus condrayi as official bird, insect, reptile, amphibian, fish, marine-fossil, flying-fossil, and land-fossil symbols.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply